Translational neuroimmunology: From mechanisms to therapeutics

Bethesda, MD - The interactions between the nervous and immune systems have been studied for some time, largely to decipher the molecular chemical mechanisms of damage inflicted on the nervous system. Interesting revelations and advances continue to be made in this field, namely, linkages between inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration, developments in bi-directional communication molecules between the CNS and the immune system, advances in imaging of the nervous system and the immune system, and forays into the use of stem cells in repair of the neurologic system. These developments all hold promise for new therapeutic targets. A greater understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases associated with dysfunction in the neuroimmune system will undoubtedly facilitate the translational aspect of this field as novel therapeutic targets are moved towards human clinical trials. This will be facilitated by cutting-edge talks from scientists with international reputations on the topics of 1) CNS Metabolism and the Microbiome; 2) Inflammation in the Peripheral Nervous System; 3) Stem Cells and Neuroinflammation; 4) Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms of Demyelinating Diseases; 5) Immunity and Neurodegenerative Diseases; 6) Pre-clinical Studies for CNS Neuroinflammatory Diseases; 7) Neuroinflammation and Neurotrauma; 8) Neuroinflammation and Host Defense; and 9) The Many Faces of Microglia. In addition, this SRC will host a pre-meeting workshop entitled "Introduction to Concepts, Model Systems and Cutting-edge Methodologies in Neuroimmunology" that will provide attendees with basic neuroimmunology concepts and discuss the role of inflammation in disorders affecting the nervous system. Aspects of this SRC conference that have been ranked highly by past attendees include, ample presentation and discussion time for oral presentations, selection of abstracts from junior scientists and graduate trainees for short platform presentations, scheduling free and open discussion time for attendees to establish new and foster ongoing collaborations, and highly interactive poster sessions. These attributes will ensure that attendees receive the most up-to-date scientific discoveries in the field of neuroimmunology and will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of neuroimmunology, neuroscience, and neurochemistry.

FASEB has announced a total of 36 Science Research Conferences (SRC) in 2016. Registration opens Jan. 7, 2016. For more information about an SRC, view preliminary programs, or find a listing of all our 2016 SRCs, please visit http://www.faseb.org/SRC.

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Since 1982, FASEB SRC has offered a continuing series of inter-disciplinary exchanges that are recognized as a valuable complement to the highly successful society meetings. Divided into small groups, scientists from around the world meet intimately and without distractions to explore new approaches to those research areas undergoing rapid scientific changes. In efforts to expand the SRC series, potential organizers are encouraged to contact SRC staff at SRC@faseb.org. Proposal guidelines can be found at http://www.faseb.org/SRC.

FASEB is composed of 30 societies with more than 125,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. Our mission is to advance health and welfare by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy.

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